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Volume 4, Number 15 July 25, 2003
http://www.psychologyforbusiness.com/
Psychology for Business is an e-mail newsletter written by
Dr. Lynda Dahlke, Dr. Paul Glass, and Dr. John Weaver, business psychologists and independent consultants,
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PARASAILING PERSPECTIVES
By Dr. Lynda Dahlke, Business Psychologist and Executive Coach
Several years ago, while vacationing at the beach, I was persuaded by my two teenaged daughters to go parasailing. We had watched others doing this for several days and I had been perfectly content to observe this activity from the comfort of my beach chair while sipping tropical beverages. However, being the tenacious girls they are, they persisted and I relented. I paid what I considered to be a fortune and signed safety waivers and off we sailed, high above all those “saner” individuals sipping their tropical beverages!
What amazed me is how different everything looked from our lofty vantage point. The ride was gentle and quiet, the view magnificent and the perspective broad. I could see the island we were on with great clarity. The trees, roads and buildings appeared in a new light; more orderly than I had imagined. This experience opened my eyes to a new perspective.
In my work with organizations I have found that there are benefits to gaining a new perspective of how it is functioning. Sometimes we need to take the parasail ride above our comfort zones and get a different look at what is happening. We often overlook opportunities for constructive change because we fail to see the need, or we fall into “that’s the way we always do it.” Daily “fire fighting” precludes us from taking the elevated view of our activities.
HOW DO WE GET A NEW PERSPECTIVE?
There are several ways of getting a “parasail” view of our organization. Some of the most useful methods are to get information from individuals external to the organization (such as consultants, professional group peers and customers), those new to the organization and those who are external, but integral (such as advisory boards). If we fail to solicit and consider their impressions, we will miss out on some very useful insights. They may not have all the answers, but their views may spark novel approaches not previously considered. They may point out some pretty obvious opportunities that those in the organization have missed due to the comfort of their vantage points “on the beach”.
WHAT CAN “PARASAILERS” ADD TO THE ORGANIZATION?
When we ask them the right questions and really listen to what they have to say, innovation and clarity can result. External interventions can also promote accountability. When there ha been a public commitment to identify problems and pursue change, it is difficult to face that individual and justify doing “nothing” differently.
WHERE DO I START?
1.) IDENTIFY who you can consider to be a “parasailer” for your organization or team
Some points to consider are:
v New employees (often an excellent, yet overlooked source of information)
v Consultants, coaches, temporary employees and interns
v Members of professional groups such as TEC groups, networking groups, customers, etc.
2.) ASK them for their candid opinions regarding performance, structure, plans, etc.
3.) LISTEN to their answers
4.) EVALUATE the potential usefulness of their ideas. (Do not be too quick to dismiss them; partial or hybrid forms of their thoughts can spark novel approaches not previously considered.
5.) THANK them for their thoughts to enhance continued dialogue.
WHAT IS KEEPING YOU ON THE BEACH?
By getting a lofty view of your organization or team you have much to gain, including clarity and innovation.
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About the Author
Lynda Dahlke, Ph.D. is a
licensed psychologist and business consultant with over 20 years of practical experience working with individuals
and groups from diverse backgrounds and levels of responsibility. She excels at
delivering concise, actionable guidance and recommendations. Lynda specializes in
pre-employment assessment, professional coaching, conflict
management, assisting organizations to work with difficult individuals and
personalities and organizational diagnostics/consulting.
Based in Waukesha, WI, Dr. Lynda Dahlke is
available for consultation or coaching by phone, e-mail or in person. She may be
reached at (262) 789-2728 (office), by e-mail at
mailto:ldahlke@psychologyforbusiness.com
or:
Lynda Dahlke, Ph.D.
Psychology for Business
200 South Executive Drive, #101
Brookfield, WI 53005-4216
Did you know that executive coaching is
not geographically limited? Coaching by telephone is effective.
It is also an efficient use of time and resources. You never need to leave
your office to travel, nor do you need to pay travel expenses for your coach. We
offer coaching either onsite or by telephone. To
find out if coaching is right for you, contact us to schedule a 1/2 hour
consultation, at no charge. Or request a price sheet to determine the best value for
your organization. Call us at:
(262) 789-2728 or email us at
mailto:ldahlke@psychologyforbusiness.com.
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10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Coach
is now available for download at no charge
by visiting
http://www.psychologyforbusiness.com/questions.htm.
Also receive your copy of 9 Ways to Motivate Your Workforce by visiting http://www.psychologyforbusiness.com/motivate.htm.
If you are interested in having Dr. Weaver
speak for your organization, contact him at
mailto:jweaver@psychologyforbusiness.com?subject=SPEAK .
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To order your copy of the book, MANAGING DIFFICULT PERSONALITIES IN THE WORKPLACE: A Manager’s Practical Guide, by Dr. Paul Kenneth Glass, send your name, address, number of copies desired and a check made out to Dr. Paul Kenneth Glass for $12 per book (plus $2 shipping per book). Or order 10 or more copies for $10 per book and $6.95 for shipping (up to 50 copies). No fluff, this book gets right to the point. Send orders to:
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Waukesha, WI 53188
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to request a price sheet. Order in quantity and save.
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If you would like to learn more about Dr. Lynda Dahlke
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(mailto:jweaver@psychologyforbusiness.com) please visit us at our
website.
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